Photographic processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A photographic processing apparatus having an exposing section (20) for printing images of negative films (2) received from a negative film feeder (10) on printing paper (3), a negative film outlet (60) for discharging the negative films used in the exposing section, and a developing section (30) for developing the printing paper printed. This apparatus includes a negative film ID allocating device (5f) for generating a negative film ID code and allocating the negative film ID code to the negative films to be subjected to a printing process, and a link manager (5k) for managing a linked relationship between the negative film ID code and information relating to the negative films.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a technique of managing stages of processingnegative films and a photosensitive material such as printing paper in aphotographic processing apparatus having an exposing section forprinting images of negative films received from a negative film feederon printing paper, a negative film outlet for discharging the negativefilms used in the exposing section, and a developing section fordeveloping the printing paper printed.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the photographic processing apparatus noted above, a combination ofnegative films and prints processed as one unit usually is based on asingle length of negative film or one set of piece negatives (cutnegative films each having four or six frames) ordered by a customer.This one unit is called one order also. When the same customer ordersprinting of several negative films or several sets of piece negatives atthe same time, they are processed as separate orders. A photographicprocessing apparatus for collating piece negatives (one long negativefilm ultimately being cut to piece negatives of a predetermined length)and prints in one order or unit and automatically putting the negativesand prints in a product packet is known from Japanese Patent PublicationKokai No. H6-43622, for example. This photographic processing apparatusincludes a stage of collating piece negatives and prints, in which thepiece negatives in one unit inserted into negative sheets after anexposing process are put into a print packet printed with an ID of thesepiece negatives. The ID on the print packet is compared with IDs ofprints transported unit by unit by a sorter. The prints in one unithaving the same ID are put into this print packet to be combined withthe piece negatives having this ID. Further, Patent Publication KokaiNo. H7-219201 discloses that a film ID originally given to aphotographic film at the manufacturing stage is read in time ofdevelopment and printing, and the ID is printed on printing paper afterimages are printed thereon, and on a product packet for receiving thefilm. This facilitates a collation of photographic film and printingpaper (or prints).

A management system using a common ID as noted above contributes to somedegree to simplification of the collating operation at the final stageof photographic processing. However, a film ID originally given to aphotographic film is not obtained until it is read by some readingdevice provided for a photographic processing apparatus. It is thereforeinconvenient to use it as a key code for management of photographicprocessing in the photographic processing apparatus. There is hardly anychance of film IDs of negative films continuously fed into thephotographic processing apparatus being consecutive codes. Even if thefilm IDs are in the form of visually recognizable codes, there are justrandom rows of codes very difficult to recognize.

Further, to realize a real-time management of entire processing ofnegative films and prints, it is necessary to associate negative filmsand prints with each other which have encountered varied events,particularly troubles, in the course of photographic processing. Suchassociation is impossible with the conventional ID management systemnoted above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of this invention is to provide a photographic processingapparatus which overcomes the disadvantages noted above, and whichenables a high-level management of negative films and a photographicmaterial such as printing paper during photographic processing.

The above object is fulfilled, according to this invention, by aphotographic processing apparatus having an exposing section forprinting images of negative films received from a negative film feederon printing paper, a negative film outlet for discharging the negativefilms used in the exposing section, and a developing section fordeveloping the printing paper printed, the apparatus comprising negativefilm ID allocating means for generating a negative film ID code andallocating the negative film ID code to the negative films to besubjected to a printing process, and a link manager for managing alinked relationship between the negative film ID code and informationrelating to the negative films.

In the above construction, selected negative film ID codes, e.g.consecutive codes, are allocated to negative films to be processed, askey codes for use exclusively in photographic processing. A high-levelmanagement is achieved by linking necessary information to each negativefilm ID code.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the link manager isoperable to manage a linked relationship between the negative film IDcode and a film ID intrinsic to the negative films. The intrinsic filmID is a film ID (FID) printed or magnetically recorded on a cartridge orother photographic film container or on photographic films per se. Inmost cases, the film ID is recorded in time of manufacture. By linkingsuch film ID and negative film ID code, the negative film code and eventinformation linked thereto may be retrieved, as necessary, by using thefilm ID read directly from the photographic film as a key, or the filmID may be retrieved by using the negative film ID as a key. The featureis advantageous particularly where films are taken out of the containerfor photographic processing, and put back into the container after theprocessing.

In a further preferred embodiment of this invention, the link manager isoperable to manage a linked relationship between the negative film IDcode and an event occurring with the negative films during photographicprocessing. A trouble occurring, during photographic processing, withthe negative film to which the negative film ID has been allocated, orprinting particulars recognized, may be linked to the negative film IDof the negative film. Thus, conditions of the negative film beingprocessed are recorded reliably, to enable confirmation at any time,thereby realizing a thorough-going negative film management.

In order to associate a trouble occurring during photographic processingwith the negative film and printing paper relating to the trouble, it isproposed to provide trouble detecting means for detecting a troubleoccurring with the negative films during the photographic processing,wherein the link manager is operable to link trouble informationrecognized by the trouble detecting means to the negative film ID codeand/or print ID code as an event.

To assist in an operation to insert negative films and prints into aproduct packet issued in time of a photographic processing order, thelink manager may be operable to manage a linked relationship between thenegative film ID code and a packet ID code applied to a product packetin which the negative films have been stored.

To realize a thorough-going management of printing paper or prints, theabove photographic processing apparatus may further comprise print IDcode allocating means for allocating a print ID code to printing paperhaving frame images of the negative films printed thereon in theexposing section, wherein the link manager is operable to manage alinked relationship between the print ID code and an event occurringwith the printing paper during photographic processing.

To manage both the negative films and printing paper, the abovephotographic processing apparatus may include both the negative film IDallocating means and print ID code allocating means. Then, the linkmanager may manage a linked relationship between the negative film IDand print ID code and an event occurring with the negative films andprints during the photographic processing.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a tray conveyer is providedfor receiving negative films in one unit discharged from the negativefilm outlet, receiving prints having images obtained from the negativefilms in the one unit and cut to predetermined lengths from thedeveloped printing paper, and combining and transporting the negativefilms and the prints as finished products. A tray ID code is allocatedto each tray of the tray conveyer. The link manager is operable tomanage a linked relationship among the tray ID code, the negative filmID code and the print ID code in order to identify the negative filmsand prints loaded into a predetermined one of trays. With this proposedembodiment, checking may be made automatically whether negative filmsand prints to be combined are to be loaded or have been loaded into apredetermined tray.

Thus, it is an important aspect of this invention to realize an ID codemanagement for enabling confirmation of various information onparticular negative films and prints at any time. This is achieved byrecording various information relating to negative films and prints in aretrievable form throughout the processing in the photographicprocessing apparatus starting with loading of the negative films andprinting paper.

Other features and the advantages of this invention will be apparentfrom the following description of the embodiments to be taken withreference to the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photographic processing apparatusemploying a photograph collating system according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the photographic processing apparatusshowing flows of negative films and printing paper in the apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the photographic processing apparatus shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a controller;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a conveyer mechanism forming part of thephotograph collating system;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between a driveunit and a running device of a tray;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between anotherdrive unit and the running device of the tray;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing loading of negative films into afilm holder;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first stopper;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a third stopper;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an optical sensor;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a tray;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a pressing/retaining mechanism of a tray;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the pressing/retaining mechanism of thetray;

FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) are explanatory views showing operation of acontrol knob;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating a structure for linking variedID codes;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a collating mark display;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of functions of the controller;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a negative loading process;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a frame image reading process;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an exposing process;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a negative discharge process;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a negative transport delaying process; and

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a print intake process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an entire photographic processing apparatus 1 according tothis invention. FIG. 2 schematically shows transport paths of a negativefilm 2 (the term negative film being used herein to refer collectivelyto a negative film having a length of one photographic film, cut piecenegatives each having several frames, and a negative film in a cartridgedesigned for an advanced photo system) and printing paper 3 undergoingvaried processes in the photographic processing apparatus 1. Thisphotographic processing apparatus 1 includes a negative film feeder 10,an exposing section 20 for printing images of the negative film 2 on theprinting paper 3 drawn from a paper magazine 4, a developing section 30for developing the exposed printing paper 3, a drying section 40 fordrying the developed printing paper 3, a print outlet 50 for cutting anddischarging the dried printing paper 3 in predetermined lengths asprints, a negative film outlet 60 for cutting and discharging thenegative film 2 used in the exposing section 20, with negative sheetsinserted as necessary, and a conveyer mechanism 70 for collating andcombining, as a finished product, the cut negative films 2 in one unit(which may be regarded as one order to facilitate understanding)received from the negative film outlet 60 and the prints in the one unitreceived from the print outlet 50, and transporting the finished productto a position for collection by the operator.

The negative film feeder 10 may be loaded with two negative reels 11each having up to 100 negative films 2 connected by splicing tape. Abar-code reader 12 reads bar codes on the negative films 2 drawn fromeither negative reel 11. A negative cutter 13 cuts the negative films 2order by order.

As shown in FIG. 3 (in which the vertical arrangement of negative film 2and printing paper 3 is inverted from FIG. 2), the exposing section 20includes a film reader 21 disposed upstream with respect to a directionof film transport and having a reading light source 21a, a mirror tunnel21b and an image pickup 21c, and an exposing device 22 disposeddownstream with respect to the film transport direction and having anexposing light source 22a, a light adjustment filter 22b, a mirrortunnel 22c, a negative mask 22d, a printing lens 22e and a shutter 22f.Rollers 23a and a motor 23b for driving the rollers 23a are provided totransport the negative film 2 from the negative film feeder 10 throughthe exposing section 20 to the negative outlet 60.

First, the film reader 21 reads the image of each frame on the negativefilm 2 transported by the rollers 23a, and transmits image informationto a controller 5 which is illustrated in detail in the block diagram ofFIG. 4. From the image information received from the film reader 21, anexposure control unit 5a of the controller 5 derives exposing conditionsfor printing the images of the negative film 2 on the printing paper 3.The exposure control unit 5a controls the light adjustment filter 22band shutter 22f based on the exposing conditions derived to expose theprinting paper 3 when the corresponding frame on the negative film 2arrives at the position of negative mask 22d. In addition, thecontroller 5 processes the image information of the negative film 2 readby the film reader 21, and causes a monitor 6a to display simulations ofimages to be printed on the printing paper 3 with the exposingconditions derived. The operator may observe the simulated imagesdisplayed on the monitor 6a, and correct the exposing conditions througha control panel 6b as necessary.

The negative film 2 emerging from the exposing section 20 is cut to aplurality of negative pieces 2 each having six or four frames by anegative cutter 25 in the negative outlet 60 disposed downstream of theexposing device 22 with respect to the film transport direction. Thenegative pieces 2 are delivered to the conveyer mechanism 70. Dependingon specifications, the negative pieces 2 may be inserted into negativesheets by a negative inserter not shown, the negative sheets beingfolded before delivery to the conveyer mechanism 70. The negative film 2designed for an advanced photo system is drawn out of the cartridgebefore the varied processes, and rewound into the cartridge again afterthe processes. This type of negative film 2 after the exposing processis delivered to the conveyer mechanism 70 as contained in the cartridge.The negative film 2 is drawn from the negative reel 11 and ultimatelytransported to the conveyer mechanism 70 under control of a negativefilm transport control unit 5b of the controller 5.

The developing section 30 includes a plurality of developing tanks notshown. The printing paper 3, with the images of the negative film 2printed thereon in the exposing section 20, is transported by rollers24a and a motor 24b for driving the rollers 24a, through a correctionprint unit 26, and successively through the developing tanks in thedeveloping section 30 to be developed. A cutter 27 is disposed upstreamof the developing section 30 for cutting the printing paper 3 in anemergency, e.g. when the printing paper 3 cannot be fed from theexposing section 20 to the developing section 30 despite the presence ofa loop.

The developed printing paper 3 is dried in the drying section 40 andforwarded to the print outlet 50, where the paper 3 is cut by a papercutter 51 to become finished prints 3. The prints 3 are delivered by atransverse conveyer 53 to the conveyer mechanism 70. Numeral 54 denotesa printing paper bypass for discharging the printing paper 3 withoutbeing cut when the printing paper 3 cannot be delivered to the conveyermechanism 70 owing to some trouble. The series of operations fortransporting the printing paper 3 or prints 3 and shunting the paper tothe bypass 54 is controlled by a paper transport control unit 5c of thecontroller 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the conveyer mechanism 70 is the tray conveyer typeincluding a plurality of trays 100 driven by a drive device 90 to movealong a guide circuit 80. A transport line provided by the guide circuit80 includes a negative film intake station 71, a standby station 72, aprint intake station 73 and a collating station 74. As shown in FIG. 6,the guide circuit 80 is formed of a pair of right and left rails 81having an approximately circular section and a connector 82interconnecting the rails 81 with a predetermined spacing therebetween.The guide circuit 80 extends along side walls of the developing section30 and drying section 40 and between the negative film outlet 60disposed in a lower position of the photographic processing apparatus 1and the print outlet 50 disposed in an upper position thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, each tray 100 includes a running device110 for running on the rails 81, and a carrier 150 having a film holder150a and a print holder 150b. The running device 110 has achannel-shaped running base 111, four running rollers 113 rotatablysupported through axles 112 inside each of opposite side ribs 111a and111b of the running base 111, and an angle bracket 114 (FIG. 9) forattaching the carrier 150 to the running base 111 at an angle thereto.The eight running rollers 113 of each tray 100 have running surfacesdefining grooves 113a shaped to fit on the rails 81. The running device110 runs steadily on the rails 81, with upper and lower front runningrollers 113 and upper and lower rear running rollers 113 on the rightrib 111a gripping the right rail 81 in two positions thereof, and upperand lower front running rollers 113 and upper and lower rear runningrollers 113 on the left rib 111a gripping the left rail 81 in twopositions thereof.

At the negative film intake station 71, negative films 2 in one unitdischarged from the negative film outlet 60 are transferred to the filmholders 150a of trays 100. At the standby station 72, the trays 100loaded with the negative films 2 can stand by to ensure timing todischarge from the print outlet 50 of prints 3 in the one unit havingthe images of negative films 2 loaded into the trays 100. At the printintake station 73, the prints 3 in the one unit on which the images ofnegative films 2 stored in the film holders 150a are printed aretransferred from the print outlet 50 to the print holders 150b of trays100. At the collating station 74, the negative films 2 and prints 3 inthe one unit carried by the trays 100 are collated, collected from thetrays and put into a product packet. Such collation and collection fromeach tray 100 are not synchronized with delivery of the trays 100 to thecollating station 74. Thus, at the collating station 74, as at thestandby station 72, the trays 100 may be stored on the rails 81. Emptiedtrays 100 are forward to the negative film intake station 71 again.

The trays 100 are transported by a drive device 90 of the chain drivetype employing chains 91 as endless drive elements. As seen from FIG. 5,the drive device 90 is divided into a first to a sixth drive units90a-90f. The first drive unit 90a extends between the collating station74 and standby station 72. The second drive unit 90b is arranged to moveemptied trays 100 to a tray stopping position in the negative intakestation 72. The third drive unit 90c is arranged to move the trays 100loaded with the negative films 2 to a storage line at the standbystation 72 defined partly by the first drive unit 90a. The fourth driveunit 90d is arranged to move the trays 100 stored in the standby station72 successively to a tray stopping position in the print intake station73. As seen from FIG. 5, the fourth drive unit 90d moves the trays 100up a steep slope. The fifth drive unit 90e moves the trays 100additionally loaded with prints 3 down a steep slope to a portion of thefirst drive unit 90a forming the collating station 74. Since the guidecircuit 80 is curved upstream of the collating station 74, the sixthdrive unit 90f is disposed between the fifth drive unit 90e and thefirst drive unit 90a to move the trays 100 along the curved line. Eachof the above drive units includes a chain 91, a drive sprocket 92 anddirection changing sprockets 93 engaging the chain 91, and a drive motor94 for driving the drive sprocket 92. The first, second, third and sixthdrive units 90a, 90b, 90c and 90f receive power from a common drivemotor 94. The fourth and fifth drive units 90d and 90e must operateintermittently in a timed way, and therefore receive power fromindividual drive motors 94, respectively. Each chain 91 includes notonly ordinary link plate 91a but pulling link plates 91b defininghitches 95 arranged at predetermined intervals and extending axially ofthe rollers. Each chain 91 moves the trays 100 by means of these hitches95.

Two types of engagement are employed for drive transmission between thehitches 95 and the running devices 110 of the trays 100. That is, toform the storage lines, the first drive unit 90a produces an engagementas shown in FIG. 7. A magnet 116 is fixed by a resin 117 to a lowersurface of a mounting plate 115 extending perpendicular to and outwardlyof the rib 111b of each running device 110. A magnetism acts between themagnet 116 and each hitch 95 of the chain 91 to form an engagementbetween the running device 110 of each tray 100 and each hitch 95 of thechain 91, whereby the chain 91 moves the tray 100. For this purpose, atleast the pulling link plates 91b are formed of a magnetic substance.Thus, when the tray 100 is stopped running by a force greater than themagnetism acting between the tray 100 and chain 91, the engagementbetween the magnet 116 and hitch 95 is broken whereby only the chain 91moves forward, leaving the tray 100 standing still. In this way, thetrays 100 are successively stored with end surfaces of the running bases111 contacting each other. After a preceding tray moves forward, themagnet 116 of a next tray 100 magnetically engages a hitch 95 of chain91 again. Thus, the next tray 100 begins to be moved by the chain 91.That is, the trays 100 are stored and advanced to the position fortaking out the negative films 2 and prints 3 automatically and withoutdelay.

The drive units other than the first drive unit 90a have only to movetrays 100 and chains 91 together. As shown in FIG. 6, lugs 118 extenddownward from lower ends of the ribs 111a and 111b of each running base110 to contact the hitches 95 of chain 91. As a result, an engagement isproduced to transmit drive between the running device 110 and hitches95. The drive motors 94 are controlled by a conveyer control unit 5d ofthe controller 5 in a coordinated way.

At the negative film intake station 71, the trays 100 are stopped by afirst stopper 85 between the second drive unit 90b the third drive unit90c to receive negative films 2 from the negative outlet 60. Further, atthe print intake station 73, the trays 100 are stopped by a secondstopper 86 between the fourth drive unit 90d and fifth drive unit 90e toreceive prints 3 from the print outlet 50. The first stopper 85 andsecond stopper 86 have the same construction. The construction of thefirst stopper shown in FIG. 9 will be described here.

The first stopper 85 includes a swing arm 85c pivotable about an axis85b, an engaging pin 85a disposed at one end of the swing arm 85c forengaging, upon swing of the swing arm 85c, one of the lugs 118 on therunning base 111 of each tray 100, a spring 85d engaged with the otherend of the swing arm 85c to bias the swing arm 85c clockwise about theaxis 85b in FIG. 9, and a linear acting solenoid 85e connected to theswing arm 85c adjacent the engaging pin 85a. When energized, the linearsolenoid 85e swings the swing arm 85c counterclockwise about the axis85b in FIG. 9. When the linear solenoid 85e is de-energized, theengaging pin 85a enters a moving track of the lugs 118 of trays 100.Thus, the first stopper 85 stops the tray 100 released from the hitch 95of the second drive unit 90b and sliding down the sloping rails 81. Whenthe linear solenoid 85e is energized, the engaging pin 85a is retractedfrom the moving track of the lugs 118 of trays 100 to permit passage ofthe trays 100. The positional relationship between the second stopper 86and the fourth drive unit 90d, and downward sloping of the rails 81, aresimilar to the case of the first stopper 85. The second stopper 86 cansimilarly control stopping and passage of the trays 100.

The collating station 74 has a third stopper 87 for stopping a leadingend of trays 100 stored. As shown in FIG. 10, the third stopper 87includes a swing arm 87b which makes seesaw movement about a rotaryshaft 87c, a pair of engaging pins 87a disposed at opposite ends of theswing arm 87b for selectively engaging the lugs 118 of trays 100 uponswing of the swing arm 87b, a rotary solenoid 87d connected to therotary shaft 87c to swing the swing arm 87b, and a spring 87e engagedwith one end of the swing arm 87b to bias the swing arm 87b clockwise inFIG. 10. With the third stopper 87 having the above construction, whenthe rotary solenoid 87d is de-energized, the spring 87e places the swingarm 87b in a position shown in solid lines in FIG. 10, to stop theleading tray 100. The other trays 100 following the leading tray 100 aremoved along the rails 81 by magnetism until each contacts a precedingtray 100. Upon contact with the preceding tray 100, the movement bymagnetism becomes impossible, and thus the trays 100 are successivelystored close to one another. When the rotary solenoid 87d is energized,the swing arm 87b is moved against the biasing force of spring 87e to aposition shown in two-dot-and-dash lines in FIG. 10, to stop the nexttray 100. The first drive unit 90a, by magnetism, starts moving theleading tray 100 now freed. When, in this state, the rotary solenoid 87dis de-energized, the swing arm 87b returns to the position shown in thesolid lines in FIG. 10, to stop the new leading tray 100 having beenmoved slightly by the first drive unit 90a. The tray 100 released fromthe first drive unit 90a moves toward the second drive unit 90b with theaid of the downward slope, and is stopped by a fourth stopper 88disposed between the first drive unit 90a and second drive unit 90b.

The fourth stopper 88 is operable to time forwarding of each tray 100 tothe negative film intake station 71. The fourth stopper 88 is controlledto advance a new tray 100 simultaneously with departure of a precedingtray 100 from the negative film intake station 71. That is, the thirdstopper 87 and fourth stopper 88 advance one stored tray 100 afteranother to the negative film intake station 71, while at the same timethe trays 100 are successively advanced along the storage line of thecollating station 74. As shown in FIG. 11, the fourth stopper 88 hassubstantially the same construction as the first stopper 85 and secondstopper 86, and will not be described further.

As shown in FIG. 11, an optical sensor 76 is provided in a positionwhere each tray 100 is stopped by the fourth stopper 88, for detectingnegative films 2 and prints 3 stored in the film holder 150a and printholder 150b of tray 100, respectively. The optical sensor 76 includes anLED 76a and a light receiving element 76b for detecting negative films2, and an LED 76c and a light receiving element 76d for detecting prints3. The carrier 150 defines bores (not shown) for allowing passage oflight emitted from the LED 76a and LED 76c. Detection signals of theoptical sensor 76 are inputted to the controller 5 which determineswhether the tray 100 stopped by the fourth stopper 88 is empty or not.The operations of the first stopper 85, second stopper 86, third stopper87 and fourth stopper 88 are controlled by the controller 5.

The construction of the carrier 150 of tray 100 will be described withreference to FIG. 12. The carrier 150 is in the form of a box having, asmain components thereof, a top plate 151, a bottom plate 152, a firstside plate 153 and a second side plate 154. The print holder 150b isformed on the top plate 151. To retain the prints 3 as stacked on thetop plate 151, the first side plate 153 and second side plate 154project from the top plate 151 to enclose the prints 3 from twodirections. The print holder 150b is open in the remaining twodirections to facilitate loading and unloading of the prints 3. The filmholder 150a is in the form of a pocket between the top plate 151 andbottom plate 152 for storing negative films 2, i.e. bare piece negativesor piece negatives inserted into negative sheets. In addition, acartridge holder 150c is provided in the form of a box 155 attached toan outer surface of the second side plate 154 and opposed to the filmholder 150a, for storing a cartridge 2a containing a roll of negativefilm 2 designed for an advanced photo system.

As seen from FIG. 5, the trays 100 are suspended upside down duringtheir movement from the negative film intake station 71 to the standbystation 72. To prevent the articles falling from the film holder 150aand cartridge holder 150c, the tray 100 includes a pressing/retainingmechanism 160. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 15, thepressing/retaining mechanism 160 includes a shaft 161 rotatablysupported by the bottom plate 152 through a plurality of bearingbrackets 162, a lug sleeve 163 fixed to the rotatable shaft 161, a firstpresser plate 165 pivotable in seesaw motion about a shaft 164 fixed tothe top plate 151 to press one end thereof upon the negative filmsstored in the film holder 150a, and a second presser plate 168 pivotablein seesaw motion about a shaft 167 fixed to the top plate 151 to pressone end thereof upon the cartridge stored in the cartridge holder 150c.The first presser plate 165 and second presser plate 168 are pivotablein opening directions by a turning force of the lug sleeve 163transmitted through contact with lugs 163a on the lug sleeve 163. Thepresser plates 165 and 168 are pivotable in pressing directions underspring load, and for this purpose helical springs 166 and 169 areprovided therefor, respectively. For turning the rotatable shaft 161, arounded control knob 170 is fixed to the end of the shaft 161 opposed tothe running base 111. As shown in FIG. 15, the control knob 170 isoperable through contact with a knob guide rail 175, to turn therotatable shaft 161. As a result, the lug sleeve 163 is displaced fromthe position shown in FIG. 13 to the position shown in FIG. 14. The lugs163a thereby push up the first and second presser plates 165 and 168against the forces of the helical springs 166 and 169, to open the firstand second presser plates 165 to allow negative films 2 to be loadedinto the film holder 150a and the cartridge 2a into the cartridge holder150c. Upon termination of the contact between the knob guide rail 175and control knob 170, the first and second presser plates 165 and 168assume positions to press the articles stored. Therefore, the knob guiderail 175 is disposed in a region of the tray 100 where the negativefilms 2 are moved in and out.

As seen from FIG. 4, the controller 5 performs various functions besidesthe functions described hereinbefore. Based on results of detection byan image sensor 14 with respect to the negative films 2 drawn from thenegative reel 11, a frame image determining unit 5e determines whetherthe negative films 2 have a trouble such as back exposure, totalfogging, total blanking or half size. A negative film ID code allocatingunit 5f allocates negative film ID codes peculiar to this photographicprocessing apparatus, to negative films 2 fed into the apparatus.Information relating to each negative film 2 having the negative film IDcode is thereafter stored as linked to the negative film ID code by alink manager 5k. Thus, various information relating to a particularnegative film 2 may be retrieved when necessary. Generally, eachnegative ID code generated by the negative film ID code allocating unit5f is linked also to a film ID (hereafter referred to as FID) read bythe bar-code reader 12 from a bar code seal applied to the negativefilms 2 in one unit. The negative ID codes are in the form ofconsecutive numbers easily recognizable by the operator. Each negativefilm ID code is used, in place of the FID, in the processes in thephotographic processing apparatus 1 to identify negative films 2 in oneunit.

Negative films brought by a customer to a processing agent are placed ina product packet 7 having its own packet ID code. The packet ID code isinputted to the controller through a packet ID code input device 7a suchas a reader or a keyboard, whereby the link manager 5k links the packetID code to each FID. As a result, the packet ID code is linked to anegative film ID code. Thus, negative films 2 with a particular FID areput in into a predetermined product packet 7. To assure that the prints3 produced from these negative films 2 be put into the predeterminedproduct packet 7, a print ID code allocating unit 5g is provided toallocate a print ID code to the area of printing paper 3 printed withframe images of the negative films 2 in the exposing section 20. Thisprint ID code also is linked to the negative film ID code. The print IDcode may be formed as a 6-bit code on the printing paper directly andmechanically by a notcher not shown.

The link manager 5k links varied events occurring to negative films 2and prints 3 in the course of photographic processing, as eventinformation to corresponding negative film ID codes and print ID codes.For example, a trouble detecting unit 5i generates trouble informationupon detection of a trouble determined by the frame image determiningunit 5e, and a collation error or disagreement due to transport jammingdetected by the negative film transport control unit 5b which entails aforced discharge of the negative films 2. The link manager 5k links suchtrouble information as a type of event information to the negative filmID code and print ID code of the negative films 2 responsible for thecollation error or disagreement, and stores the information in aretrievable state. To facilitate understanding of a link structure ofthe above various ID codes and trouble information, the link structureis schematically shown in FIG. 16. The negative film ID code has also anorders number linked thereto. The trouble information is also linked asevent information to the negative film ID code. Event information mayinclude, besides trouble information, printing data, exposure data andprint sizes. Event information relating to the prints 3 may be linkeddirectly to the print ID code, or through the negative ID code. In theformer case, the print ID code has pointers for the negative ID andtrouble information.

The negative films 2 and prints 3 with a linked negative film ID codeand print ID code are loaded into one tray 100 to be combined andcollated automatically. The link manager 5k may advantageously link atray ID code to the negative film ID code, and hence to the print IDcode. For this purpose, a tray ID code allocating unit 5h generates andallocates the tray ID code to a corresponding tray 100 based on a signalreceived from an ID sensor 77 disposed in a predetermined position ofthe guide circuit 80 for reading perforations 121 in an ID plate 120attached to the running base 111 of each tray 100 and indicating thetray ID code. Then, the link manager 5k links the tray ID code to thenegative film ID code of the negative films 2 to be loaded into the tray100. The tray ID code is based on presence or absence of perforations121 formed in six positions, and is therefore generated as a 6-bit code.

The tray 100 has a collating mark display 180 attached to the first sideplate 153 next to a bracket 114. This collating mark display 180 is usedas an alarm device for notifying a disagreement between the negativefilms 2 and prints 3 to be loaded into the tray 100. As shown in FIG.17, the collating mark display 180 includes a drum 182 rotatable aboutan axis 181, an elastic element 183 elastically supporting the drum 182,and a housing 184 accommodating the drum 182. The housing 184 defines anopening 184a for receiving an external force to move the drum 182, and adisplay bore 184b. The drum 182 has a part of a peripheral wall thereofpainted red. When the drum 182 rotates to a first position, the red isseen through the display bore 184b. When the drum 182 rotates to asecond position, a ground color, e.g. white, is seen through the displaybore 184b. The negative films 2 and prints 3 in one unit to be placed onthe same tray 100 may not be in agreement owing to some troubleoccurring during the processing of the negative films 2 and printingpaper 3 in the photographic processing apparatus 1. Then, troubleinformation is linked to the ID codes of these negative films 2 andprints 3. When the tray 100 stands still at the print intake station 73,a collating mark control unit 5j of the controller 5 causes a markdisplaying solenoid 89 disposed at the print intake station 73 to rotatethe drum 182 from the second position to the first position. This actionnotifies the operator that the negative films 2 and prints 3 on thistray are in disagreement. The drum 182 in the first position is returnedto the second position at the collating station 74.

Controls relating to the collation between negative films 2 and printingpaper or prints 3 in the above photographic processing apparatus 1 willbe described next. FIG. 4 shows, in block diagram, the controller 5which controls the entire photographic processing apparatus 1. FIG. 18shows the entire operation of the controller 5 in the form of aphotograph processing apparatus controlling main routine. The photographprocessing apparatus controlling main routine calls various processingroutines to execute necessary processes. FIG. 18 shows, among suchvarious processing routines, the routines relating to the collation inparticular. In any case, the controller 5 is based on a microcomputerwhose functions basically are provided in the form of programs, and maybe illustrated in the two different forms consisting of the blockdiagram and processing routine flow chart.

First, when the negative reel or reels 11 is/are set, a film loadingroutine is started. In the film loading processing routine, as shown inFIG. 19, the optical sensor reads data of one length (usuallycorresponding to one order) of negative film 2 (#11). It is determinedwhether a normal printing process is possible or not. That is, checkingis made whether the frame images on this negative film 2 show backexposure (#12), total fogging or total blanking (#13) or whether theyare half size instead of being full size (#14). In the case of "yes", aselection is made as to whether the negative film 2 inappropriate tosuch a printing process should be discharged forcibly, or should beforwarded to the negative film outlet 60 to be transferred to a tray 100(#15). When the former is selected, this negative film 2 is dischargedto a discharge negative box through a midway discharge line, not shown,based on a forcible discharge routine (#16). In any case, when the frameimages are inappropriate to the printing process, it is determined to bea trouble of disagreement and trouble information is linked to the IDcode of this negative film 2 (#17).

Then, a film cutting routine is executed to cut the negative film 2after the film loading to a unit length corresponding to one order. Theseparated negative film 2 is forwarded to the exposing section 20.

The negative film 2 forwarded to the exposing section 20 undergoes aframe image reading routine shown in FIG. 20, which is executed prior toexposure. In the frame image reading routine, it is checked whether thenegative film 2 has print notches for use in positioning the frameimages (#21). If print notches are found, the frame images arepositioned for scanning, by using the print notches (#22). In theabsence of print notches, a predetermined frame image is set to scanposition while detecting the frame images (#23). The film reader 21reads image information from the frame images set to position (#24). Theimage information is stored in an image memory in the controllers 5, anddisplayed on the monitor 6a after appropriate image processing. Anexposure correction is made to the frame images read, as necessary(#25), and the negative film 2 is fed to the exposing position (#26).Checking is made whether a film jam has taken place in the course ofthis film feeding (#27). In the event of a film jam, the negative film 2is removed by hand (#28), It is determined to be a trouble ofdisagreement and trouble information is linked to the ID code of thenegative film 2 (#29). The negative film 2 removed is fed to thetransport line again after all the negative films rolled on the negativereel 11 are processed.

In the exposing process, it is necessary to control the operation ofeach component of the exposing unit 22 as noted hereinbefore. Theexposure processing routine shown in FIG. 21 is limited to movement ofthe negative film 2. In the exposure processing routine, the frameimages of negative film 2 are successively exposed to printing paper 3(#31). Because of a large number of prints made from each frame image,the number of prints for one order may exceed 55 (#32). Then, the valueof print ID is incremented (#33). This print ID usually is affixed toall the prints for one order. By loading negative films 2 and prints 3in one order into the same tray 100, the order number, negative film ID,print ID and tray ID are linked on one-to-one basis. However, in thisembodiment, the number of prints to be placed on one tray 100 is limitedto 55. An additional print ID is allocated to any prints 3 beyond 55.That is, two (or more as the case may be) prints IDs are given to oneorder. As a result, the one-to-one relationship is maintained for theprint ID and tray ID. Subsequently, checking is made whether a film jamhas taken place in the film feeding in the auto negative mask region(#34). In the event of a film jam, feeding of new negative films 2 tothe auto negative mask is stopped once, and a manual recovery operationis carried out to remove the negative film 2 by hand. It is thendetermined that a trouble of disagreement has occurred, and troubleinformation is linked to the ID code of this negative film 2 (#35). Thenegative film 2 removed is fed to the transport line again after all thenegative films rolled on the negative reel 11 are processed. When "no"results from step #34, a further checking is made whether a trouble ofdisagreement has occurred which requires removal of the negative filmthe photographic processing apparatus (#36). In the event of a troubleof disagreement, trouble information is linked to the ID code of thenegative film 2 (#37). Thereafter, an exposing operation is carried outfor one order as described hereinbefore.

The negative film 2 having undergone the exposing process is cut intonegative pieces of predetermined length (each having (four or sixframes). The cut negative films (negative pieces) are inserted intonegative sheet, and discharged from the negative film outlet 60. Theseprocesses are carried out according to a film discharge routine. In thefilm discharge routine shown in FIG. 22, parts of the negative film 2 tobe cut are positioned to a cutting line of negative cutter 25 (#41).Then, the negative cutter 25 is operated to produce negative films 2 ofpredetermined length (#42). The cut negative films 2 are inserted intonegative sheet by a negative sheet feeder which is known per se (#43). Atrouble may occur in the course of sheet feeding which makes the feedingimpossible (#44). This may be due, for example, to the negative sheetbeing too large or too small to fold, or to seams in the negative sheetobstructing the feeding. Then, the negative films 2 are dischargedforcibly (#45), abandoning the attempt to place the negative pieces 2 ontray 100. Thus, trouble information is linked to the ID code of thenegative films 2 (#46).

If an excessively long processing time is taken in the exposing section20 from completion of exposure of a final frame image to dischargethrough the negative film outlet 60, the tray 100 loaded with thenegative films 2 in negative sheet discharged from the negative filmoutlet 60 usually fails to arrive at the print intake station 73 by thetime the print 3 having the final frame image developed is dischargedfrom the print outlet 50. A film transport delaying routine is providedto cope with such a situation. In the film transport delaying routineshown in FIG. 23, checking is made whether time t1 elapsed fromdischarge from the developing section 30 of the print 3 having the finalframe image on the negative film 2 is less than time limit T1 (#51). Iftime t1 exceeds time limit T1, the feeding of printing paper 3 to theexposing section 20 is discontinued (#52). To handle the prints 3discharged from the print outlet 50 for the present, an empty tray 100is sent off to the print outlet 50 (#53). Then, the negative films 2from the negative film outlet 60 are loaded into a next tray 100 (#54),and the feeding of printing paper 3 is resumed (#55). At the same time,the negative films 2 present between the exposing section 20 andnegative film outlet 60 are regarded as out of disagreement, and troubleinformation is linked to the ID code of these negative films 2 (#56).The negative film 2 set to the exposing section 20 is regarded as beingin order.

The troubles of collating disagreement occurring in the processingrelated to the negative film 2 has been described hereinbefore. Suchtroubles of collating disagreement may take place also in the processingof printing paper 3(and prints after cutting). However, no trouble ofdisagreement occurs up to the drying stage in the section since printingpaper 3 is continuously processed after being fed to the exposingsection 20 by the paper loading routine, developed by passing throughthe respective processing tanks in the developing station 30 by adeveloping section transport routine. The question arises with the stepof loading a predetermined tray 100 with prints 3 cut from the printingpaper 3. This processing routine is shown in FIG. 24. Prior to printcutting by the paper cutter 51, a row of notches formed in a side edgeof printing paper 3 to represent a 6-bit print ID is read optically(#61). This print ID is checked to see if it agrees with the print IDstored in the form of link structure in the controller 5 (#62). In theevent of disagreement, trouble information is linked to this print ID(#67). Further, the number of images exposed is checked against thenumber of prints cut from printing paper 3 by the paper cutter 51 (#63).As a result of this checking, the number of prints actually cut for thisorder by the paper cutter 51 may prove larger than the number of imagesexposed for this order, i.e. the number of prints stored in thecontroller 5 in time of the exposing process. In a recovery processexecuted in this case, these prints 3 are loaded into the tray 100linked to these prints 3 for the present. The number of prints actuallycut for this order by the paper cutter 51 may be smaller than the numberof prints stored in the controller 5 for this order. In a recoveryprocess executed in this case, a tray ID is added, when the number ofprints stored in the controller 5 is reached, to prepare for a tray tobe loaded with the remaining prints. In this embodiment, the number ofprints stored in the controller 5 can be calculated by using the ordernotches dividing the printing paper 3 into units of orders. The frameimages formed between the order notches correspond to the number ofprints. Therefore, the above trouble is caused by an oversight in the(no order notch being detected even when a designated number of printsis reached) detection of the order notches or an excessive detection ofthe order notches (an order notch or notches are detected though adesignated number of prints has been reached) in the region of papercutter 51. In any case, if the number of prints is in disagreement, therecovery process relating to allocation of a tray 100 to be loaded isexecuted (#64). Subsequently, trouble information is linked to thisprint ID (#67). Further, a print length is checked here (#65). When apredetermined length is exceeded, a recovery is executed to cutSubsequently, trouble information is linked to this print ID prints 3 toa length for loading into the tray 100 (#67). If a trouble occurs withthe transport system or the like to make it to deliver prints 3 to theprint intake station 73 (#68), the printing paper 3 is dischargedthrough the bypass 54 without being cut (#69). Trouble information islinked to this print ID (#67). In this case, prints 3 are not loadedinto a tray 100. The pertinent tray 100 loaded only with negative films2 is forwarded to the collating station 74.

Trouble information may be linked to the ID codes of negative films 2carried and prints 3 to be carried by a tray 100 having stopped at theprint intake station 73. Thus, the trouble information is linked also tothe ID code of this tray 100. Then, a disagreement notifying routine isexecuted to operate the mark displaying solenoid 89 to display the redmark. This notifies the operator that the negative films 2 and prints 3for this tray are a mismatch.

Next, an operation of the conveyer mechanism 70 to transport the trays100 based on a conveyer mechanism control routine will be described.

In the negative film intake station 71, negative films 2 inserted innegative sheet folded, bare negative films 2, or negative films 2 incartridges for advanced photo systems, delivered from the negativeoutlet 60 are automatically deposited unit by unit by a feeder notshown, in the film holders 150a of trays 100 stopped by the firststopper 85. The trays 100 released by the first stopper 85 in thenegative film intake station 71 descend by gravity, and then run alongan upward slope in engagement with the hitches 95 of the third driveunit 90c. The trays 100 are passed on to the first drive unit 90aforming the standby station 72, and are successively stored.

The leading tray 100 stored at the standby station 72 is engaged by ahitch 95 of the chain 91 of the fourth drive unit 90d in intermittentoperation, to move up the steep slope in stages corresponding to theintervals between the hitches 95. The fourth drive unit 90d transportsthe trays 100 in stages corresponding to the intervals between thehitches 95 in interlocked relationship to the release of trays 100 bythe second stopper 86 at the print intake station 73. Thus, when eachtray 100 stopping at the print intake station 73 receives prints 3 inone unit from the transverse conveyer 53 and is moved down the slope bythe fifth drive unit 90e, the next tray 100 is forwarded to the printintake position and stopped by the second stopper 86.

As long as this photographic processing apparatus 1 operates normally,and unless the number of prints in one order exceeds a predeterminedamount, negative films 2 are deposited in the trays 100 unit by unit inthe order of exposure in the exposing section 20. no tray 100 empty ofnegative films 2 receives prints 3. By receiving prints from thetransverse conveyer 53 in the order of exposure, the film holder 150a ofeach tray 100 stores the prints 3 of the images of negative films 2stored in the print holder 150b. When the number of prints in an orderexceeds a predetermined amount, a further tray 100 is allocated to theexcess prints. Apart from such exceptional cases, some trouble mayresult in a loss of certain of the negative films 2 and prints 3 storedin a tray 100 having a predetermined ID. This is recognized by thecontroller 5 as a disagreement. Then, the mark displaying solenoid 88disposed at the print intake station 73 operates to rotate the drum 182of collating mark display 180 to the first position to set the redindicative of the disagreement to the display bore 184b. The secondstopper 86 releases the trays 100 having received from the transverseconveyer 53 the prints 3 to be combined with the negative films 2 in oneunit. The tray 100 descends a little by gravity into engagement with ahitch 95 of the fifth drive unit 90e, and moves downward with movementof the chain 91. The fifth drive unit 90e is switchable betweenintermittent drive for transporting each tray 100 in stagescorresponding to the intervals between the hitches 95 in interlockedrelationship to the operation of the second stopper 86 according, forexample, to the number of trays 100 stored at the collating station 74,and normal drive for transporting the trays 100 regardless of a state ofthe second stopper 86. The trays 100 driven downward by the fifth driveunit 90e enter the storage line of collating station 74 to be passed onto the sixth drive unit 90f once.

The trays 100 having entered the storage line of collating station 74are stopped in order following the tray 100 stopped by the third stopper87, to wait for the operator to collect negative films 2 and prints 3from the trays 100 as finished products. The operator undertakes apredetermined recovery operation for a tray 100 displaying the reddisagreement mark. In any case, the trays 100 having the negative films2 and prints 3 removed therefrom by the operator are forwarded to thefourth stopper 88. This is done by the third stopper 87 operating ininterlocked relationship to the second drive unit 90b transporting thetrays 100 from the fourth stopper 88 to negative film intake station 71.In response to this operation, the first drive unit 90a advances thetrays 100 one by one on the storage line.

The second drive device 90b transports each tray 100 released by thefourth stopper 88 to the negative film intake station 71 upon completionof loading of negative films 2 into the film holder 150a of tray 100maintained in the stop position by the first stopper 85. That is, whenthe first stopper 85 releases the tray 100 loaded with negative films 2,the fourth stopper 88 releases the next tray 100 provided that thecompletion of removal of negative films 2 and prints 3 is detected bythe optical sensor 76 disposed in the area of the fourth stopper 88. Theempty tray 100 is fed to the negative film intake station 71. Inresponse thereto, the third stopper 87 also releases a tray 100, wherebythe tray 100 is forwarded to the fourth stopper 88.

In the foregoing embodiment, the event information is linked to both thenegative film ID code and print ID code. It is of course possible withinthe scope of this invention to link only the negative film ID code andevent information, or only the print ID code and event information.

What is claimed is:
 1. A photographic processing apparatus comprising:anexposing section for printing, on printing paper, images of negativefilms received from a negative film feeder; a negative film outlet fordischarging said negative films used in said exposing section; adeveloping section for developing said printing paper printed; a printoutlet for discharging said developed printing paper as prints bycutting said developed printing paper to a predetermined length; a trayconveyor for receiving said negative films in one unit discharged fromsaid negative film outlet, receiving from said print outlet said printshaving images obtained from said negative films in said one unit, andcombining and transporting said negative films and said prints asfinished products; negative film ID allocating means for generating anegative film ID code and allocating said negative film ID code to saidnegative film ID to be subject to a printing process; print IDallocating means for allocating a print ID code to said printing paperhaving frame images of said negative films printed thereon in saidexposing section; tray ID allocating means for allocating a tray ID codeto each tray of said tray conveyor; and a link manager for managing alinked relationship among said negative film ID code, said print ID codeand said tray ID code; wherein said link manager is operable to managesaid linked relationship among said negative film ID code, said print IDcode and said tray ID code in order to identify said negative films andsaid prints loaded into a predetermined one of trays.
 2. A photographicprocessing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said link manager isoperable to manage a linked relationship between said negative film IDcode and a film ID intrinsic to said negative films.
 3. A photographicprocessing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said link manager isoperable to manage a linked relationship between said negative film IDcode and a packet ID code applied to a product packet in which saidnegative films have been stored.
 4. A photographic processing apparatusas defined in claim 1, wherein said link manager is operable to manage alinked relationship between said negative film ID code and an eventoccurring with said negative films during photographic processing.
 5. Aphotographic processing apparatus as defined in claim 4, furthercomprising trouble detecting means for detecting a trouble occurringwith said negative films during photographic processing, wherein saidlink manager is operable to link trouble information recognized by saidtrouble detecting means to said negative film ID code as said event. 6.A photographic processing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein saidlink manager is operable to manage a linked relationship between saidprint ID code and an event occurring with said prints during thephotographic processing.
 7. The photographic processing apparatus ofclaim 6, further comprising trouble detecting means for detecting atrouble occurring with said printing paper during the photographicprocessing, wherein said link manager is operable to link troubleinformation recognized by said trouble detecting means to said print IDcode as said event.
 8. A photographic processing apparatus comprising:anexposing section for printing, on printing paper, images of negativefilms received from a negative film feeder; a negative film outlet fordischarging said negative films used in said exposing section; adeveloping section for developing said printing paper printed; a printoutlet for discharging said developed printing paper as prints bycutting said developed printing paper to a predetermined length;negative film ID allocating means for generating a negative film ID codeand allocating said negative film ID code to said negative film ID to besubject to a printing process; print ID allocating means for allocatinga print ID code to said printing paper having frame images of saidnegative films printed thereon in said exposing section; troubledetecting means for detecting a trouble occurring with said negativefilm and said print paper; and a link manager for managing a linkedrelationship between said negative film ID code and said print ID code;wherein said link manager is operable to link trouble informationrecognized by said trouble detecting means to said negative film ID codeand/or said print ID code.
 9. A photographic processing apparatuscomprising:an exposure control unit for printing, on printing paper,images of negative films received from a negative film feeder; aconveyor control unit for discharging said negative films used in saidexposure control unit to a negative film outlet; a paper transportcontrol unit for transporting said developed printing paper through adeveloping section to a print outlet; negative film ID allocating meansfor generating a negative film ID code and allocating said negative filmID code to said negative film ID to be subject to a printing process;print ID allocating means for allocating a print ID code to saidprinting paper having frame images of said negative films printedthereon in said exposing section; and a link manager for managing alinked relationship between said negative film ID code and said print IDcode; wherein said link manager is connected to said exposure controlunit, said film transport control unit and said printing paper transportcontrol unit, and wherein said link manager is operable to manage saidlinked relationship between events occurring with said negative filmsand said negative film ID code, and between events occurring with saidprints and said print ID code.